In recent years, it’s been difficult to keep up with the number of reports that have described Rep. Mike Gallagher as a “rising star” in Republican politics. Looking at the Wisconsin congressman’s resume, it’s easy to understand why.
Gallagher isn’t just a Princeton grad with a doctorate from Georgetown, he’s also a Marine veteran who served in Iraq. On Capitol Hill, GOP leaders tapped the conservative young congressman to chair a House select committee on China, and by most accounts, Gallagher has received positive reviews from members of both parties.
In terms of career prospects, GOP insiders believed the sky was the limit for the 39-year-old congressman — that is, until last week.
As House Republicans prepared to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro, despite the lack of evidence of high crimes, Gallagher was one of a handful of members who balked at the ridiculous partisan exercise. As The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank noted, GOP leaders held open the vote and allowed Gallagher to be “encircled” on the chamber floor.
Georgia’s [Marjorie Taylor] Greene got in his face, clearly threatening him. [Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark] Green screamed at him, wagging his index finger. Reps. Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Jodey Arrington (Tex.) and Guy Reschenthaler (Pa.) joined in the berating — while Greene placed a call on her phone. From the first row of the gallery, I could see Gallagher, sometimes with mouth agape, sometimes swallowing hard, as he took in the abuse.
Gallagher stood his ground and the impeachment effort fell one vote short. Soon after, Politico reported that there were “storm clouds gathering” around the congressman, amidst chatter about a possible primary challenge from Republicans who said he just wasn’t far enough to the right.
Just two days after the Politico report was published, Gallagher decided to walk away. NBC News reported:
Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher … announced on Saturday that he won’t run…
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